Wednesday 19th November - Travel Doctor

11.19.2008 | 6:02 am | Travel Doctor

Dear Travel Doctor,

- Greg, Gloucester

Hi Greg,

Christmas is a time of generosity and goodwill, but there’s absolutely no reason why you should have to pay over the odds to get presents to your family.

To get the perfect gift delivered directly to your relatives’ door is killing two birds with one stone. Using websites like Amazon which have both British and American versions, you can choose something from the U.S. site and have it delivered in time for Christmas. Let your relative know that it will be coming, and get them to hold off opening it until you arrive. If you want to make sure what you buy is exactly what they want, ask if they have an Amazon wish list that you can pick from. Shopping online will save you a hell of a lot of money and space in your luggage. Some websites even offer free or discounted shipping.

Some chain stores have an option of buying an item online, then picking it up from the shop of your choice. Choose a branch in your relatives’ town and you can go fetch the gifts when you arrive. Alternatively, if you know that the town has plenty of good stores, save your Christmas shopping for when you arrive there.

Something that isn’t quite so personal, but would be good for relatives you don’t know too well, is a gift voucher or certificate. This works for Amazon, but be careful that gift cards or vouchers you buy in the UK can be used in affiliate stores over in the U.S. Gift certificates solve the age-old problem of receiving gifts that you don’t really like, but have to accept with politeness!

If you want to give a gift that’s a bit out of the ordinary, why not organise a trip or dinner for the time you’ll be in the States? This is great because it means you can join the fun too, and end up with some great memories.

Another thing to bear in mind is sharing the load with a travelling companion. You didn’t say if you were travelling to the U.S. on your own, but if you’re flying with someone, lighten the load by going Dutch on gifts.

For the cheapest flights to America, visit FlightComparison.co.uk.

Wednesday 12th November – Travel Doctor

11.12.2008 | 8:51 am | Travel Doctor

Dear Travel Doctor,

Lucy, Colchester

Hi Lucy,

Great that you’ve decided to go it alone on your next trip. If you follow my tips you shouldn’t encounter any undue difficulties.

Make sure you scope out your intended destination and resort before you book. You’ll need to find out if it’s hilly, and if so, that you can manage the terrain in your chair. Also check that the resort you want to stay at can cater for people with disabilities. It’s a good idea to do plenty of research before you commit to booking, so you can rest easy that your needs will be met once you arrive.

Things to check are whether the public toilets are accessible, whether the resort cafes and restaurants are wheelchair friendly, and will you be able to participate in organised trips or outings. Also, make sure that the accommodation will be suitable for you. Always check that the accommodation will be suitable for your needs - do not rely on second-hand information.

You didn’t mention if your wheelchair is a powered one or a manual. If you use an electric one, make sure that the resort or hotel has recharging facilities. Likewise, if you plan to hire one once you get there, do some research on rental places.

Most of the above is common sense, so I have no doubt that you’ll have a fantastic trip and thoroughly enjoy the experience!

For the cheapest flights to world destinations, visit FlightComparison.co.uk.

Wednesday 5th November – Travel Doctor

11.5.2008 | 2:00 pm | Travel Doctor

Dear Travel Doctor,

-    David, Buckinghamshire

Hi David,

Good question. Bird flu (or Avian Influenza) has been in the news a fair bit recently. It sounds pretty scary, but if you take the right precautions, you’ll be fine.

Bird flu is a contagious disease of animals caused by viruses that normally infect birds and sometimes pigs. All species of bird can be affected, but mainly domestic poultry. It’s the H5NL strain that can jump from birds to humans, and can cause serious illness.

It’s very rare that people catch bird flu, though. Unless you have close contact with infected birds and their droppings (i.e. at markets or farms) you won’t be at risk. If a human does become infected, the virus will develop between three and five days after contamination. Symptoms are similar to normal flu – fever, cough, aches. If you suspect that you have been infected, seek medical help immediately.

The bad news is that there are currently no vaccines against the H5N1 strain, but the World Health Organisation is currently working on a potential inoculation.

As for planning your trip to avoid infectious zones, you should be aware that the following countries have been affected: Azerbaijan, Bangladesh, Benin, Cambodia, China, Djibouti, Egypt, Germany, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Iran, Iraq, Israel, Japan, Laos, Myanmar, Nigeria, Pakistan, Poland, Romania, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Switzerland, Thailand, Togo, Turkey, UK, Ukraine and Vietnam.
However, there’s no need to rule out these destinations. A few simple measures can dramatically decrease your risk of catching bird flu. Simply, avoid contact with chickens – dead or alive. This is the safest way to protect yourself. Wash your hands regularly, and be sensible. In the unlikely scenario that you develop symptoms, get yourself to a doctor as soon as you can.
But remember that bird flu is very rarely caught by humans, so don’t let it put you off travelling!

For the cheapest flights to international destinations, visit FlightComparison.co.uk.

Travel Doctor

10.23.2008 | 8:46 am | Travel Doctor

Dear Travel Doctor,

I’m about to take a long haul flight to Australia, and I’ve heard in the news lately that airlines are witnessing more and more incidents of ‘air rage’. What should I do if I encounter this on my flight, and how can I stop myself succumbing to it myself? I’m a smoker, and twenty four hours without a cigarette isn’t a prospect I’m relishing…

-    Graham, London

Hi Graham,

Maybe people are becoming less tolerant these days, but you just didn’t hear about air-rage until recently. It’s actually a really serious offense, and can put lives at risk. So let’s make sure you don’t fall foul of it!

Drinking alcohol is one of the main perpetrators, it has to be said. Having said that, other things can trigger the red mist, including nicotine withdrawal, claustrophobia, arguments between passengers, fear of flying and frustration with airline staff.

On the nicotine front, stock up on some gum or patches to assuage the pangs. I shouldn’t have to say this, but under no circumstances must you think about sneaking off for a ciggie in the toilets. That’s just common sense, right? Sorry – I had to say it! Also pretty obvious but necessary to mention – don’t drink to excess while flying. Better still, don’t drink at all. It will dehydrate you and make you cranky.

But what to do if the air rage comes from someone else? It’s scary to think that someone could go postal on your flight – running amok, even trying to wrench the aircraft doors open. Don’t worry too much. Inflight staff receive professional training to deal with air rage. Leave it to them. However, if an incident happens close to you and they don’t see, attract their attention as soon as possible using the call button or good old fashioned leg work.

If a fellow passenger gets angry and it escalates before the cabin crew can get to you, keep calm. Don’t argue with the person. Try and douse the flame of their frustration with soft words. It’s best not to intervene, but you may want to step in if someone is physically attacking another person, or trying to open the aircraft door.

Here comes the super-hero part. If absolutely necessary, try and get the perpetrator to the floor so they can be restrained. Sounds rather dramatic, and hopefully it won’t get to this, but it’s good to be prepared.

Good luck, and don’t worry too much. Air rage is relatively rare.

For the cheapest flights to world destinations, check FlightComparison.co.uk.

Travel Doctor

10.21.2008 | 9:10 am | Travel Doctor

Dear Travel Doctor,

-    Rhian, Leeds

Hi Rhian,

A safari for you honeymoon – sounds fantastic! I can understand why your fiancé might have his doubts though. As exciting as a safari sounds, there are definitely things to be prepared for.

It sounds like you’ve made your minds up to go to Kenya, and this is a great place to see some quality big game. Other safari hot-spots to consider are South Africa, Botswana, Kenya, Namibia, Zimbabwe and Mozambique. It’s a good idea to check the political conditions of the country you’re thinking of visiting before you book anything.

Once you’re all booked up to go, you’ll need to do some preparation. Chances are you’ll be walking a fair bit, so do some gym training before you leave to build up fitness and stamina. If you’ve bought new walking shoes make sure you break them in beforehand to avoid blisters.

Clothing-wise, light cotton stuff is best. Shorts and t-shirts are good daywear, but take some trousers and shirts for the evening when the sun sets and mosquitoes come out of hiding. A hat is a must. A safari-loving friend of mine told me that white clothes are a bad idea as they make you more visible to the animals, so steer clear.
The usual hot country fare should be packed – high factor sun cream, insect repellent, moisturiser, antiseptic cream etc. A small first aid kit is a good idea too, although your safari company will most probably be kitted out with all of that.
Where safaris are concerned, it’s a good idea to make absolutely sure that your travel insurance covers you. Call up your provider and chat to an adviser. You may need to upgrade your policy.
Those are some pointers for before your trip. Now for some safety tips for when you arrive in Kenya. First and foremost, when you’re on safari, you must always do what your guide tells you. Even if you’re a seasoned traveller, listen to him or here. You might think you’re a dab hand at foreign jaunts, but the safari guide will know far more about the area and its dangers than you ever will.

Never stray from the path. Don’t wander off alone, and never approach animals. Make sure that your clothing and shoes are suitable for the terrain. It really comes down to common sense. Listen to your guide and your intuition, and you and your fiancé will have an amazing time. Send me some photos!

Find the cheapest flights to Kenya at FlightComparison.co.uk.

Travel Doctor

10.9.2008 | 7:19 am | Travel Doctor

Dear Travel Doctor,

- Arthur, Brighton

Hi Arthur. What a fantastic idea. I’m sure that the current belt-tightening will encourage more and more people to hit the road for their holidays.
Caravanning has something of a bad reputation, probably a throw-back from the days when all you could expect was leaky living space, campsites with no electricity and grim, rainy days stuck inside the caravan playing Monopoly. But this simply isn’t the case these days.
First things first – the caravan itself. You didn’t say whether you’ve already got one, but they are very easy to come across. Check the internet and newspapers for local dealers in your area. Once that’s done, you’re pretty much ready to go. Something very important to consider is whether your car engine is suitable for towing a caravan. Check that the weight of the loaded caravan doesn’t exceed the towing capacity of the vehicle. You can find this out in your car’s handbook.
Next you’ll need to attach the caravan to your car. This involves making sure that stabilisers, breakaway cables and lighting cables are all attached.

Once you get to the campsite it’s important to make a sensible choice of pitch. Bear in mind that caravans should be at least six metres apart, and don’t be tempted to pitch up beside a river that could flood… Likewise, tall trees could pose a risk in storms, so steer clear.
Caravanning has lots of advantages – freedom, flexibility, cheapness – but there are also some dangers that you should be aware of. Fire can be a risk, so make sure that all the materials in your caravan have passed safety tests. Also, campsites can attract thieves so be careful not to leave valuables on display.
If you don’t fancy caravanning and would rather holiday further afield, find the cheapest flights on FlightComparison.co.uk.

Travel Doctor

10.1.2008 | 10:00 am | Travel Doctor

Dear Travel Doctor,

I am planning a trip around Asia and I’m worried about mosquito bites. What can I do to avoid them, and to treat any bites I may get?
- Vincent, Paris

Hi there.

There are plenty of things you can do to make sure you don’t come under fire from mozzies.

The first thing you need to do is research whether the areas you’ll be visiting are malaria hotspots. Mosquito bites are annoying at the best of times, but they are a thousand times worse if they carry the risk of infection. Since you’re travelling around Asia, the chances are that you’ll be entering malarial areas so you’ll have to take preventative medication. This is available over the counter at chemists. Some types are taken daily, others weekly, so talk to your GP about which sort is best for you.

Once you’re on your trip, try and avoid infested areas. Most species of mosquito strike during darkness, so staying indoors at night time can help. A mosquito net is a good idea, and many hotels and lodging houses in Asia provide these. Mosquitoes can bite through tight clothing, so invest in some loose fitting trousers and shirts.

Another good idea is to arm yourself with some mosquito repellent. There are countless brands but the most effective contain the active ingredient DEET (diethylmetatoluamide). Reapply repellent regularly especially in hot and humid climates, and after swimming. Don’t apply DEET products to open sores.

If you do get bitten, the most important thing is that you don’t scratch the bites. This can be extremely tempting, but you must resist! Scratching can cause infection and scarring. Reduce swelling and itchiness with mild steroid cream and antihistamine preparations.

So enjoy your trip, and I hope the mosquitoes leave you alone!

Find the cheapest flights to Asian destinations at FlightComparison.co.uk.

Travel Doctor – 24th September

09.24.2008 | 9:57 am | Travel Doctor

Dear Travel Doctor,

-    Barry, Edinburgh

Hi Barry,
Sounds like a fantastic trip. You say you love photography, so clearly your camera means a lot to you. I’m guessing that you’re worried that it may get damaged or lost, so I’ll give you some tips on how to avoid disaster.

However, the best advice I can give you is to think of your own safety first. Your camera can be replaced, but your life and health can’t. Most of the tips are pure common sense, but a quick read will refresh your memory.

The mark of a great photographer is the ability to capture interesting and exciting scenes. Most photographers are willing to go out on a limb to get that amazing shot, but when you’re in an unfamiliar country or area, this is a potential source of danger. Gen up on some local knowledge to find out if there are any no-go districts or danger spots. Always carry a map and a mobile phone with you in case you get lost.

Be aware of road safety. Most countries outside the UK drive on the other side of the road, so don’t step out into oncoming traffic while trying to cross the road in search of a good photograph.

Your camera is the whole point of your trip, so you’re likely to be taking a high quality model with you to get the best possible shots. This presents an immediate temptation to thieves and muggers, so invest in a simple carry case that won’t draw attention to the expensive goods within. Always keep the camera on the front of your body, never on your back. The less attention you draw to your equipment, the safer you will be.

Another obvious point, but make sure that your travel insurance covers your camera.
And don’t play the hero. If you’re mugged, don’t try to stop the thieves taking your camera. It may be a treasured possession but it’s really not as important as your life. Back up your photos onto an external hard-drive at the end of each day so you don’t face the pain of losing all your shots in the event of theft.

Find the cheapest flights to South America at FlightComparison.co.uk.

Travel Doctor

09.10.2008 | 9:31 am | Travel Doctor

Dear Travel Doctor,

My husband and I are planning to take a road trip through Europe this Autumn. We need some information about European car insurance, and any issues we should be aware of before we set off. Can you help?
-    Linda, Lancashire

Hi Linda. The first thing you need to do before you head off on your trip is to make sure you have the right sort of insurance. As at home, having a minimum of third party insurance is crucial in case of an accident.

The same goes for Europe. Some countries require that you have a “Green Card” - a document accepted throughout all of Europe except Russia. The Green Card isn’t insurance but it is confirmation that you have the minimum coverage. You can get one from your insurance provider.
Proof of third party insurance is accepted as minimum coverage in these countries:
Ireland, Belarus, Belgium, France, Austria, Cyprus (both parts, although North Cyprus does not accept the Green Card), Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Montenegro, Germany, Hungary, Netherlands, Iceland, San Marino, Luxembourg, Latvia, Lithuania, Ukraine, Macedonia, Italy, Malta, Moldova, Norway, Czech Republic, Poland, Russia (Green Card not accepted), Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Greece, Sweden, Switzerland, Lichtenstein, Turkey.
The following countries require a Green Card, confirming at minimum of third party insurance:
Bosnia/ Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Gibraltar, Romania, Serbia/ Montenegro.
If you don’t have one when you get to the border, you’ll have to buy short-term insurance there.
The good thing is that when you rent a car in third party insurance is covered in the rental fee. Most companies will suggest that you take out a collision damage waiver which covers damage to the rental vehicle. It’s not a necessity in most countries (except for Italy), and it pushes the cost of rental higher, but it’s worth the extra cost.

Some rental companies might suggest that you take out bail bond insurance. This is a good idea in Spain where cars are sometimes confiscated after an accident.

So make sure you have all of this covered, and have fun!

Find the cheapest flight to Europe at FlightComparison.co.uk.

Travel Doctor

09.3.2008 | 7:39 am | Travel Doctor

Dear Travel Doctor,

I’m getting kind of tired of life in the UK, and I’m thinking of emigrating to Australia with my partner. Do you have any advice for us? – Lisa, Wales

Hi Lisa,

You’re not alone! A BBC survey estimates that about 13% of British people have considered moving abroad, and around 40% of them would like to live in Australia! Great weather, beaches, good quality of life… what’s not to love?

The first thing you have to think about is getting a permit to live there. There are several ways of getting this visa. The most common is a work visa, followed by a partner sponsored permit, if you have an Australian spouse.

As well as visa clearance, you’ll need to have a police check and a medical assessment. Sometimes you’ll have to do this at the time of your visa application, but some work-sponsored visas only require it later. A police check sounds scary, but it’s just to asses whether you are of good character. The medical test is to make sure you don’t have tuberculosis, and to check that you are fit and able.

If you don’t think you can do all of this alone, you could use a migration agent to help you. It can be quite pricey though – up to £2,000 on top of the £537 visa fee, but it’s worth it when the visa is approved!

After your visa is been approved, you usually have a year to validate it at an Australian port of entry. Then you have five years to move to Australia and set up home. At this stage you’ll need to set up an Australian bank account, get a Medicare number and a tax file number, so make sure you do your research.

It’s a big move, but it will be worth it. Good luck!

Find the cheapest flights to Australia at FlightComparison.co.uk.